The drone attack on a ship in international waters carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in the early hours of Friday has been widely condemned. Human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber says it was “all part of the same genocide.”
“The attacks on the humanitarian flotilla, on Gaza & the West Bank, on Lebanon & Yemen, on Palestinians & human rights defenders in the US, UK, Germany, and elsewhere in the West, on cyber-space & the high seas, are all part of the same genocide,” Mokhiber posted on X.
“Violent mobs of Zionists, lobbies, intel agencies, corrupt politicians, the capture of our institutions, the mobilization of state power against those resisting Zionist apartheid & genocide, and attacks on education in our own countries are all part of the same genocide,” the former UN official continued, adding that “the struggle of the Palestinians is our
struggle too.”
Until the apartheid regime ends its occupation and genocide in Gaza, all people of conscience around the world will continue to stand against the occupation and support the just struggle of the Palestinian people.
Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition
Dr. Robert Abela Prime Minister, Malta
Rescue Coordination Centre Malta
Armed Forces Operations Centre Malta
Previous Freedom Flotilla Missions
Timeline
2008:
- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition begins sending ships to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.
2010:
- May 22, 2010: The Mavi Marmara, part of a Freedom Flotilla organized by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief, departs Antalya, Turkey, for Gaza. The flotilla includes thousands of pounds of humanitarian aid and construction equipment.
- May 31, 2010: Israeli naval commandos raid six Freedom Flotilla ships, including the Mavi Marmara, in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli soldiers reportedly fire on the ships before boarding. 10 people are killed (including one Turkish American citizen) and dozens are wounded. Israeli forces arrest everyone on board.
- Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden defends the Israeli raid.
- U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and 86 other senators affirm Israel’s right to defend itself, assert the legality of Israel’s blockade, condemn the UN Human Rights Council for singling out Israel, and claim Israel made every effort to ensure aid reached Gaza and only attacked after being attacked.
2014:
- The International Criminal Court finds there is a “reasonable basis to believe that war crimes were committed” during the 2010 flotilla raid but chooses not to prosecute due to insufficient gravity.
2023:
- October 9, 2023: Israel intensifies its blockade of the Gaza Strip, announcing a “total blockade” on the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity following the October 7 Hamas-led attack and ensuing Gaza war.
- October 18, 2023: Human Rights Watch states that Israel’s “Unlawful Gaza Blockade” is “Deadly for Children.”
- October 21, 2023: The first supplies of aid enter Gaza after the “total blockade” was eased.
2024:
- January 2024: Israeli authorities block 56% of humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.
- February 9, 2024: UNRWA’s director Philippe Lazzarini states that Israel has blocked food for 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza.
- March 21, 2024: Alex de Waal states in The Guardian that the world is about to witness “the most intense famine since World War II in Gaza.”
- May 1, 2024: Jordan reports that Israeli settlers attacked Jordanian aid convoys on their way to Gaza.
- August 18, 2024: (Implied from reporting on May 1, 2024 attack)
- December 5, 2024: Amnesty International concludes that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
2025:
- March 2, 2025: Israel reimposes a full blockade on the entry of all humanitarian aid and medical supplies into the Gaza Strip, the longest complete closure in the history of the blockade. Aid groups warn people in Gaza are struggling to survive.
- March 26, 2025: Amnesty International Australia states that Israel’s blockage of aid into Gaza is a crime against humanity and violation of international law.
- May 1, 2025 (Thursday): An Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft is tracked departing from Israel and flying toward Malta. It flies at a low altitude over eastern Malta for hours before returning to Israel approximately seven hours later. Maltese authorities publicly deny any breach of their airspace.
- May 2, 2025 (Friday):00:23 Maltese time (10:23 GMT): The Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition aid ship, is struck by drones in international waters approximately 14-17 nautical miles off the coast of Malta. The drones attack the front of the unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull, deliberately targeting the ship’s generators.
- The vessel issues an SOS distress signal.
- A tugboat is dispatched and arrives at the scene, helping to put out the fire.
- A vessel from Southern Cyprus is dispatched but reportedly does not provide the necessary electrical support.
- The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) dispatch a patrol boat.
- 1:28 AM: Firefighting operations begin.
- 2:13 AM: All crew members are confirmed safe but refuse to board the tugboat.
- Morning of May 2: Activists in Malta, including Ann Wright, Greta Thunberg, and Tighe Barry, who were waiting to board the Conscience, learn of the attack.
- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition issues statements condemning the attack, demanding an investigation, and calling for Israeli ambassadors to be summoned. They demand Malta fulfill its obligation to ensure the safety of those on board.
- Human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber condemns the attack as “all part of the same genocide.”
- UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese calls on concerned state authorities to support the ship and its crew and ascertain the facts.
- Türkiye condemns the attack in the strongest terms, and its Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli states efforts will be made to reveal details and bring perpetrators to justice. He confirms Turkish citizens were on board and are safe.
- Activist group Codepink condemns the attack, recognizing it as Israel violating international law. They demand accountability and state the act sends a message that anyone bringing aid to Gaza is a military target.
- The Free Gaza Australia group calls for condemnation and support for rebuilding and sailing the Flotilla.
- Actress Nicolene Jones posts a video showing activists approaching the targeted ship, praising the resilience and humanity witnessed.
- The Quds News Network (QNN) shares footage of the aftermath and reports on the Israeli Air Force C-130 flight data.
- David Adler, Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International movement, states the attack was on solidarity itself and that if Israel gets away with it, no ally of Palestine is safe.
- Danaka Katovich, National Co-Director of CODEPINK, highlights the attack’s similarity to the 2010 raid and states Israel is sending a message to interfere with their “genocidal plan” means being attacked.
- Ismail Behesti, an organizer with the FFC and son of a man killed in the 2010 raid, is seen in videos condemning the attack.
- The Maltese government issues a statement confirming the fire is under control and the vessel is being monitored.
- Spanish member of the European Parliament Ana Miranda Paz condemns the attack and blames Israel.
- Maltese political party AD+PD expresses solidarity and anger at what appears to be “a terrorist attack by Israel.”
- Greta Thunberg characterizes the incident as disregard for international law and human rights and expresses concern for those on board.
- Tighe Barry speaks from Malta, highlighting Israel’s perceived impunity since October 8, 2024, and questioning the lack of U.S. condemnation compared to actions against the Houthis.
- 3:45 AM: The Maltese Government reports the vessel is secure.
Cast of Characters
- Ann Wright: Former U.S. Army colonel and diplomat who resigned in opposition to the U.S. war on Iraq in 2003. She is an organizer for the Freedom Flotilla and was in Malta waiting to board the Conscience. She was also on one of the smaller boats in the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
- Greta Thunberg: World-renowned Swedish environmental activist and Zeteo contributor. She was in Malta preparing to join the Gaza Freedom Flotilla mission.
- Tighe Barry: Longtime CODEPINK activist and an organizer with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. He was in Malta waiting to board the Conscience.
- Craig Mokhiber: Human rights lawyer and former UN official. He condemned the drone attack on the Conscience and connected it to broader acts he considers part of a genocide.
- Francesca Albanese: UN Special Rapporteur. She received a distressed call from people on the Freedom Flotilla and called on state authorities to support the ship and crew and ascertain the facts.
- Oncu Keceli: Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman. He condemned the attack on the Conscience, stated efforts would be made to reveal details and bring perpetrators to justice, and confirmed Turkish citizens on board were safe.
- Danaka Katovich: National Co-Director of CODEPINK. She highlighted the similarity of the drone attack on the Conscience to the 2010 Israeli raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
- Nicolene Jones: Actress and activist. She posted a video showing activists approaching the damaged Conscience.
- David Adler: Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International movement. He condemned the attack on the Conscience, stating it was an attack on solidarity itself.
- Ismail Behesti: A key organizer of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Conscience mission. He is the son of Cengiz Songur, who was killed in the 2010 Freedom Flotilla raid. He is seen in videos after the attack condemning the perceived Israeli aggression.
- Huwaida Arraf: Organizer with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and a survivor of the 2010 flotilla attack. She believes the attack on the Conscience is a consequence of “global complicity” and shows Israel’s increased disregard for international law.
- Yasemin Acar: Freedom Flotilla Coalition Press Officer and spokesperson. She issued statements following the attack and described the situation of the ship.
- Hay Sha Wiÿa: Freedom Flotilla Coalition representative mentioned in a statement.
- Jonathan Kuttab: Author of an article for Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) discussing the perceived impunity surrounding Israeli actions, including the attack on the Conscience.
- Medea Benjamin: Co-founder of CODEPINK. She reported on the attack on the Conscience, attributing it to Israel and highlighting the alleged evidence from flight tracking data.
- Joe Biden: Then-U.S. Vice President in 2010. He actively defended the Israeli raid on the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
- Chuck Schumer: U.S. Senator. In 2010, he joined other senators in affirming Israel’s right to defend itself and the legality of the blockade, while condemning the UN and claiming Israel acted in self-defense during the raid.
- Israel Katz: Israeli Defense Minister. Two months prior to the attack on the Conscience, his office issued a directive regarding allowing and then seizing protest flotillas.
- Philippe Lazzarini: Director of UNRWA. In February 2024, he stated Israel had blocked food for 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza.
- Jonathan Whittall: Local Head of Office for the UN humanitarian coordination wing. He stated that aid is being weaponized through its denial in Gaza.
- Ana Miranda Paz: Spanish member of the European Parliament. She condemned the attack on the Conscience and blamed Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent incident involving a Gaza aid ship off the coast of Malta?
In the early hours of May 2, 2025, the vessel Conscience, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, was attacked by drones in international waters approximately 14-17 nautical miles off the coast of Malta. The drones struck the front of the ship twice, causing a fire, a substantial breach in the hull, and disabling the vessel’s generator, leaving it without power and at risk of sinking. While there were no immediate casualties, the attack endangered the crew and activists aboard.
Who is being blamed for the drone attack on the Conscience?
While the Freedom Flotilla Coalition statement stopped short of directly blaming Israel, they demanded that Israeli ambassadors be summoned to answer for the incident and violations of international law. Ann Wright, a former U.S. Army colonel and diplomat involved with the flotilla, stated that while the source of the drones couldn’t be definitively identified, she had no doubt that Israel was behind the attack, citing a history of violence directed at flotillas from the state. Other groups and activists also strongly suspect or directly accuse Israel. Flight-tracking data reportedly showed an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft flying at low altitude over eastern Malta for several hours before the attack, returning to Israel afterward.
What was the purpose of the Freedom Flotilla mission?
The Freedom Flotilla’s mission was to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to the besieged population. The organizers aimed to conduct a nonviolent action to break the two-month total blockade imposed by Israel since March 2, 2025, which has severely restricted the entry of essential supplies into Gaza, leading to widespread starvation and a humanitarian crisis. The flotilla also sought to draw international attention to the situation in Gaza and what participants described as a genocide.
What are the conditions in Gaza that prompted the aid mission?
According to the sources, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire due to the prolonged Israeli blockade. For two months, no aid has reportedly been allowed to enter, leading to a severe lack of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies for over two million people. Aid organizations warn of impending famine, widespread malnutrition (particularly among children), and a healthcare system on the verge of collapse. The denial of aid is described as a “man-made problem” and a “weaponization” of assistance, with thousands of aid trucks reportedly stuck at border crossings.
Has Israel previously targeted Gaza aid flotillas?
Yes, this is not the first time Israel has been accused of attacking a Gaza aid flotilla. In 2010, Israeli forces raided six Freedom Flotilla ships in the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the deaths of 10 people and wounding dozens, including an American citizen. One of the organizers of the recent flotilla, Ismail Behesti, is the son of a man killed in the 2010 raid. This history of confrontation adds to the suspicion surrounding the recent drone attack.
What was the response to the attack from various groups and authorities?
The drone attack was widely condemned by human rights lawyers, activists, and various organizations. Human rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber described it as part of a larger “genocide” and blamed the “impunity” afforded to Israel by states like the U.S., UK, and Germany. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition demanded an investigation and called for international condemnation and action. Malta confirmed that a tugboat assisted in putting out the fire and that those aboard were confirmed safe, though there were conflicting reports on the exact number of people. Turkey also condemned the attack and vowed to investigate.
How is the incident connected to the broader situation in Gaza?
The attack on the aid flotilla is seen by many as an extension of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Activists and organizers argue that the attack underscores Israel’s determination to maintain its blockade and prevent aid from reaching the population, which they characterize as deliberate starvation and a war crime. The incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by those attempting to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and draws further attention to the severity of the blockade.
What calls for action have been made in response to the attack?
Following the attack, calls for action included demands for Malta to ensure the safety of those aboard the distressed vessel, for the international community to condemn the aggression and demand a full investigation, and for states to end political, financial, and military support for Israel’s blockade and occupation. There were also calls for accountability for war crimes and the use of nonviolent actions like Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) to pressure Israel. Some also urged governments, particularly the U.S., to use their leverage to ensure aid flow and a lasting ceasefire.
Photo credit: Jeff Kisling
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